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Growing Sugar Plum Hybrid Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Begin by selecting a high-quality seed starting mix and filling small pots or trays. Sugar Plum Hybrid seeds should be sown indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Plant the seeds about .25 inches deep and gently water them. Place the pots in a warm, bright spot or under grow lights to ensure they get plenty of light once they sprout. Tomato seedlings love warmth, so maintaining a temperature around 70-75F (21-24C) will encourage strong growth. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent diseases like damping-off.

As your seedlings grow, you'll notice their first true leaves developing; this is a sign they're getting ready for the next stage of life. If you started the seeds in a tray, this is the time to transplant them into their own pots (4-6 inches) where they can spread their roots.

Before moving your seedlings outdoors, they need to get accustomed to the conditions they'll face in the garden. This process is called hardening off and usually takes about 1-2 weeks. Start by placing your plants outside in a sheltered, partially shaded spot for just an hour on the first day. Gradually increase their outdoor time daily, exposing them to more sunlight and outdoor conditions. Be mindful to bring them in if there's any risk of frost or if the weather turns particularly harsh.

Choose a sunny spot in your garden for the Sugar Plum Hybrid tomatoes, as they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Tomatoes also appreciate rich, well-draining soil, so work in plenty of organic matter like compost before planting. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart to ensure good air circulation and room to grow.

When transplanting, bury the seedlings up to their first set of true leaves; this encourages a stronger root system. Water the plants thoroughly after transplanting to help settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets.

Watering is crucial for tomato plants; consistent, deep watering is key. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall and temperatures. Avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of disease. Mulching around your plants can help retain soil moisture and keep weeds at bay. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so fertilize your plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. However, once the plants start to fruit, switch to a tomato-specific or low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage more fruit production over foliage.

Support your indeterminate Sugar Plum Hybrid tomato plants with stakes or cages to keep them upright and promote good air circulation. This support is essential for keeping the fruit off the ground and reducing disease risks. Watch for common tomato pests like aphids, hornworms, and spider mites. Insecticidal soaps or neem oil can be effective, eco-friendly pest management options. Diseases such as blight or leaf spot can be minimized by rotating your tomato planting area every few years and choosing disease-resistant varieties like the Sugar Plum Hybrid.

Harvesting Sugar Plum Hybrid Tomatoes

Sugar Plum Hybrid tomatoes will be ready to harvest in about 105 days after transplanting. Watch for the tomatoes to reach their full size and their color to change from green to a deep, even red. This color change is the most reliable indicator that your tomatoes are ripe and ready. Another sign of ripeness is a slight softness when gently squeezing the fruit.

To harvest, grasp the tomato firmly but gently and twist it slightly while pulling it from the vine. If the tomato doesn't come off easily, use a pair of gardening shears or scissors to cut the stem close to the fruit, avoiding damage to the plant and the tomato itself

About Sugar Plum Hybrid Tomato Garden Seeds

Sugar Plum Hybrid tomatoes are a sweet, cherry tomato suitable for growing in gardens, raised beds, greenhouses, and containers. Sugar Plum Hybrid is a very high-yielding three-quarter-inch red plum-shaped tomato. The fruits are very sweet and tasty

Cherry tomatoes, including Sugar Plum Hybrid, often produce abundant fruit. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more.

These tomatoes are perfect for container gardening. Just ensure your container is large enough (at least 5 gallons) and has good drainage.

Watch for blossom end rot, a common issue with tomatoes due to calcium deficiency. Keep soil moisture consistent, and consider adding a calcium supplement if this problem arises.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"If you want fresh tomatoes for as much of the season as possible, it is a good idea to plant 2 or 3 different varieties. Sugar Plum Hybrids are a late-maturing variety and are great to pair with other early and mid-maturing varieties such as Stupice (early) and Moneymaker (mid)."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Sugar Plum Hybrid Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 250 mg packet - Approximately 66 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 1,875 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 30,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 120,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Sugar Plum Hybrid Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.